Nigeria’s Super Falcons were in devastating form flew past pitiful Zambia 5-0 to secure a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco
Delivering a dominant performance in the match played on Friday, Nigeria, so far unbeaten in the tournament, maintained their solid defensive record while producing their most clinical attacking display since the championship began.
With ruthless efficiency at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, the Super Falcons’ intent on dismantling of the Copper Queens was clear from the first whistle, and they needed just two minutes to assert control.
And it was Centre-back Osinachi Ohale who leaped highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery, setting the tone for a night the Zambians will not forget in a hurry.
In the 33rd minutes, the nine-time African champions doubled their lead when Okoronkwo, again heavily involved, finished off a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner.
Now two goals down, the shell-shocked Zambians, who had shown grit and flair in the group stages, were unable to recover and pose any thread as the Super Falcons ran riot, with the third goal arriving just before the half-time whistle.
It was Chinwendu Ihezuo, who pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot in a left-footed finish and all but end the contest.
Unfortunately, despite all their attacking prowess led by captain Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda, the Cooper Queens failed to replicate the fluid football that had seen them finish second place in Group A.
Often disjointed in their attacking forays, the Zambians met a disciplined Nigerian backline anchored by Ashleigh Plumptre.
As expected, Nigeria remained in control after the break, and in the 68th minute, Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 by nodding in from close range after another set-piece wreaked havoc on Zambia’s defence line.
The Super Falcons made it five in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi applying the finishing touch following good work by Rasheedat Ajibade.
Clearly, the Cooper Queens’ frustration was summed up by Banda’s repeated offsides and speculative efforts, while Chanda’s long-range attempt in the 51st minute was comfortably blocked.
This emphatic victory has seen Nigeria maintaining their push for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title while Zambia, who had hoped to build on their 2022 bronze finish, now exit the tournament having been outclassed by a side that has not conceded a single goal so far.
For now, the Super Falcons are awaiting their semi-final opponents with growing confidence and belief that their supremacy on the continent remains intact.
